"Now all I care about is my future" : Supporting the shift : Framework for the effective resettlement of young people leaving custody (Full report)

Hazel, N

Abstract

This document presents a new framework for understanding effective resettlement of young people. It has been produced as part of the Beyond Youth Custody (BYC) programme, funded under the Big Lottery Fund’s Youth in Focus initiative.


This new framework – which draws on findings from across the programme – proposes, for the first time internationally, a ‘theory of change’ for the sustainable re-entry of young people after custody. This reconceptualisation of resettlement enables a better understanding of why practices previously shown by research to improve recidivism rates are effective. This theory of change recognises that effective and sustainable resettlement facilitates a shift in the way that a young person sees themselves, from an identity that promotes offending to one that promotes positive contribution to society. The subsequent framework highlights how service providers should support the young person to develop a positive identity – a new narrative for how they relate to others. This involves guiding and enabling the young person – through personal and structural support respectively – to create new roles in their life story that foster and reinforce this positive identity that promotes wellbeing and desistance.

Within this framework, we can identify five key characteristics that research has shown are important for all resettlement support. These characteristics provide a reflective checklist for providers to evaluate and (if necessary) redesign their support in order to help young people achieve a positive identity that leads to sustainable resettlement.

Citation

Hazel, N. (2017). "Now all I care about is my future" : Supporting the shift : Framework for the effective resettlement of young people leaving custody (Full report). London

• Other Type: Other
• Publication Date: Nov 20, 2017
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 21, 2017
• Related Public URLs: http://www.beyondyouthcustody.net/; http://www.beyondyouthcustody.net/wp-content/uploads/Now-all-I-care-about-is-my-future-Supporting-the-shift-full-research-report.pdf
• Additional Information: Projects : Beyond Youth Custody